Queens Store Owner Convicted of Kidnapping, Assaults Linked to 'King of New York' Boasts
Federal prosecutors secured a conviction against Abu Chowdhury for a series of violent attacks perpetrated against rivals who mocked his self-proclaimed title.
Abu Chowdhury, 36, has been found guilty in Brooklyn Federal Court of kidnapping and assaulting rivals and enemies who mocked his claim of being the "King of New York." Federal prosecutors stated that Chowdhury orchestrated a campaign of terror in 2023, abducting three individuals and subjecting them to severe physical and sexual abuse, including the use of poles and forced nudity.
Prosecutors argued that Chowdhury's actions were intended to "protect and promote" his reputation within the community, viewing the assaults as displays of dominance. The violence reportedly began after an online dispute on TikTok with a man who questioned Chowdhury's perceived authority.
According to the charges, Chowdhury and accomplices accosted the first victim on March 27, 2023, near 181st Street and Hillside Avenue. During a car ride, the victim was allegedly beaten and threatened with his life. The incident culminated with the victim being forced to stand naked in the street for a video recording before being given a sedative. He was later found in a local hospital with injuries.
In May 2023, federal authorities allege Chowdhury targeted two more individuals. These men were reportedly insulted by Chowdhury's then-girlfriend, Iffat Lubna, 27. Chowdhury allegedly abducted the two men and took them to a hotel in Long Island City. There, one victim was reportedly sexually violated with a rod. The second victim was coerced into assaulting the first man under threat of retaliation from Chowdhury. Lubna allegedly participated in this assault.
Chowdhury was convicted on Thursday of three counts of kidnapping and three counts of conspiracy to kidnap. His wife, Lubna, was previously found guilty by a jury in April for her involvement in the latter two incidents. Associates of Chowdhury were also convicted in connection with the crimes.
Chowdhury faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. stated, "The acts committed by the defendant, along with his co-defendants and co-conspirators, were brutal, senseless, and cannot be tolerated in a civilized society. Our Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting violent crime that endangers our community."
